Uncas School reaffirms its Mohegan ties

NORWICH — With an exchange of gifts and kind words on Friday, the Uncas Elementary School reaffirmed its relationship with the Mohegan Tribe.

The morning reception unveiled a plaque dedicated to the friendship between the school and tribe as well as plans for a painting of the school’s namesake sachem to be located in the library. The plaque, featuring the mark of Uncas and a square made of arms grasping each other, declares that the school celebrates all peoples and cultures.

The plaque, as well as a marble carving by former Mohegan chief Ralph Sturges, were formerly donated to the school. The plaque was located above the gym door, but moved to a wall in the main hallway after a sign featuring the new wolf mascot was put over the gym.

“This is a new symbol for the school,” Foster said. “But I hope it’s also a symbol for a continuing relationship.”

Uncas, a 17th-century Mohegan leader, advocated cooperation with English colonists. Student representatives Carmen Rojas and Brandon Sullivan said the friendship has continued to this day, including the establishment of a Sachem Fund in 2008 to enhance the cultural offerings of Norwich.

Zachary Lusk, an artist and Uncas School intern, said the library mural will be based on a close-up view of Uncas’ face in a painting of the leader.

“It’s a work in progress,” Lusk said. “We’re taking a familiar picture and enlarging it using computer technology.”

Malerba said the school has a number of connections with the tribe, including the new mascot’s recognition that the Mohegan name means “wolf people.” She urged the students to foster the spirit of cooperation and care for one another.

“I see it just resounding in this school,” Malerba said. “You are already living that.”